Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Race

Mark your calendar for the Annual Asian Festival & Dragon Boat Race on the second Saturday of May in Lake Norman. Plan to attend the 2017 festival on May 13th! Held at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius, the area provides the perfect space for the exciting family-oriented event. The festival celebrates Asian cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots and history. Explore the cultural heritage showcase, retail vendors, live music and dance performances, along with exciting dragon boat races. The CAACC joined forces with Mecklenburg Park and Recreation Department in 1999 as co-organizers to bring the festival to introduce Asian culture and traditions to the greater Charlotte community, bringing an estimated 5,500 to 7,000 attendees annually.

Throughout this day long festival, expect dragon boat races that bring teams from the greater Charlotte region and several states together to compete along the banks of Lake Norman. Boats line up to launch from the shore of the lake to race for the finish, while onlookers get a close up of what it takes to win! The rhythm of the drum keeps the rowers on beat and after they finish, relax on the lawn while other teams prepare at the start line for another round. The adrenaline from the dragon boat teams and festival goers makes this event a favorite for all.

There's also no better way to experience anything than with food. Numerous vendors are set up with various Asian countries being represented with favorite signature dishes. See some of the most talented performers on the stage during the Asian music and dance fest! Start the summer out at the Asian Festival to meet locals and visitors from all over. Experience heritage and tradition in a fun and entertaining way, kicking off summertime in Lake Norman!

Event details

The festival opens at 11:00 a.m. and runs until 5:00 p.m. Parking is available at Rubbermaid Medical Solutions on 16905 Northcross Drive in Huntersville with free shuttle service to the festival site. Onsite parking is not available. The festival and races are free and open to the public.

The Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Races are organized by the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce, (CAACC) Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, and the Charlotte Dragon Boat Association in partnership with Visit Lake Norman (VLN).